Nine's Wide World of Sports has named Crocmedia as a potential candidate despite the organisation having a smaller reach in comparison to the ABC. Macquarie Media, which owns Sydney's 2GB and Melbourne's 3AW, has also been named as a frontrunner.

However a Cricket Australia spokesman has poured cold water over the rumours.

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"We are currently finalising our media rights negotiation and are comfortable with this process," he said. "Current media speculation is incorrect. An announcement on these rights will be made in due course."

Australian cricketer Shane Watson.Credit:AP

An ABC Radio spokesman confirmed the broadcaster was still in negotiations with Cricket Australia, but said it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Sources said the national broadcaster expected to retain its radio rights given its huge reach in not just the major cities, but regional and rural areas, too. Should Macquarie or Crocmedia win rights to broadcast international cricket games, the sources added, it is expected they would do so alongside the ABC, not instead of.